How Your Driving (Not Your Credit) Could Start Saving You Money on Insurance

By Mike Goodman | Goodman Insurance Solutions

Let’s talk car insurance for a second, specifically how it’s changing.

Traditionally, your rate was mainly based on factors like age, where you live, car type, and… insurance score. That score is a blend of your credit report, past claims, and how you stack up against folks in your demographic. The problem? That doesn’t always feel fair. You could be a safe driver who happens to have a dinged-up credit report or a younger driver who's more careful than most, but you're still being lumped in with the averages.

But there’s a shift happening—and it’s worth paying attention to.

The Rise of Driving Data

Insurance companies are increasingly leaning into actual driving behavior to underwrite policies. Think things like:

How fast do you drive?

How hard do you brake or accelerate?

What time of day are you on the road?

How much do you drive?e

They get that data from plug-in devices or smartphone apps that track your driving habits. It’s called telematics, and while it might sound a little Big Brother-ish at first, there are some real benefits.

Why It’s a Good Thing

For one, you’re rated on yourself, not on what other people your age or in your zip code are doing.

If you’re a safe driver, you should get rewarded for that. And these programs often come with discounts right out of the gate, just for participating—sometimes 5-10% up front, and more after a few months of good driving.

I’ve seen clients, especially households with multiple vehicles, save a few hundred bucks a year just by opting into these programs.

Is It Worth Doing?

If you’re already a solid driver—not speeding, not braking hard, not on your phone all the time—it’s a no-brainer. Even if you’re just an average driver, the initial discount still makes it worth trying. Worst-case scenario? You learn a little more about your habits and how to improve them. Best case? You save real money each renewal.

A Quick Heads-Up

Not all programs are created equal. Some track for a few months, and then you’re done. Others stay on and keep collecting data in the long term. I always walk clients through the pros and cons of each, based on their driving style and comfort level.

But if you’re tired of feeling like your insurance rate is out of your control, this is a way to take some of it back.

Want me to check if your current company offers a program like this or compare options with ones that do? Just holler. Text, email, call—whatever works for you.

Stay safe out there,

Mike Goodman

Goodman Insurance Solutions

📱 620-531-0261

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